CGI U has gotten me very excited about One Bead's ability to move forward and expand. Everything can seem overwhelming at times, but then when I step back and see the bigger picture, I can't help but want to push myself even further. I focus in on how we are about to begin fence construction and are now looking into the logistics of a library, and I cannot help but feel like we have already succeeded. CGI U made me understand the importance of taking initiative and not being afraid to pursue my commitment to the fullest degree. There is no better time than right now! So with that being said, I am using this week to create a strategic plan and create both short term and long term goals for the organization. I am also working on putting a concrete team of highly talented individuals together who can assist me in the areas of marketing, business, sales, and more! In the next five weeks my goal is to sell as MANY bracelets/beads as possible before this 2011/2012 school year comes to a close. Please spread the word!!!
xxx Sara
Some final notes from the Opening Plenary at CGI U:
"Talent is Universal, but opportunity is not" -Rye
"Only education is the solution to the whole problem"-Sadiqa in reference to the negative effects of war.
"People like to say that it is not how you begin but how you end, however, I would have to disagree with that, it is how you start" The seeds that you originally plant within an individual are extremely important. Everyone needs someone to make them feel like the most important person in the world -Usher
One of Rye's favorite books is Gates of fire by Steven Pressfield. Steven Pressfield also wrote a book called Do the Work. In this book Pressfield says "Start before you're ready". In other words, don't wait until you think you are prepared to do something, or it will be too late. Start now. Be fearless.
Madeline Albright continued off of this point by saying that you must learn by doing as opposed to sitting in the library every night. (I quote her while seated in the library...)
Sadiqa concluded by arguing that if you wait until you are out of grad school to start pursuing your passion, you are too late. You cannot wait. School is the absolute best time to begin.
